John Cale - POPtical Illusion Review

POPtical Illusion leaves more impact than you expect.

What would you do if Lou Reed booted you out of his band for making music that was too weird? Well, if you’re John Cale you keep making that weird music all the way in to your early eighties. 

Cale’s last album Mercy was a cynical affair, yet this new release brings a fresh mindset- one of hope and solution. Looks like things are on the up for Cale.  

Pioneering the sixties avant garde art scene in New York, Cale’s creative desire burns at the same temperature today. Decorating time with his undying thirst to experiment, his new music has pace and charge. Forever pushing his sound forwards, this album in particular strikes a balance between hope and truth. 

Throughout the album, Cale speaks to us all. ’I’m angry’ musters a sense of urgency just through its title. Moving back and forth, his uplifting words sway in and out of our ears. We become captivated to listen to every word closely; finding refuge amongst the darkness, a sense of hope arrives. It’s refreshing to see that Cale is putting some effort in to leaving that apocalyptic mindset behind.  

Working with long time collaborator Nita Scott, Cale’s voice is often heard brilliantly distorted amongst the pop haze of the album; his words backed by energised percussion and electronic noise. 

Outside of the album’s usual synth pop sound, Shark-Shark instead encapsulates the sixties verve of The Velvet Underground. Being an outlier track on the album, the unrefined racket almost pays homage to Cale’s time with the band, brilliantly avoiding sounding over-produced. Embellished with punchy vocals and pulsating guitar, it feels human and it feels real.  

Ending the album with There will be no river, Cale waves goodbye with a solemn yet hopeful gesture. Leaving us with lots to think about, POPtical Illusion leaves more impact than you expect. More weird music please John Cale!